President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, made the call on Sunday in Kano at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
Tinubu said religious leaders had a crucial role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
He charged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
According to him, religious leaders should also use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and the peaceful resolution of grievances.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty.
“Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence.
“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” the President said.
Speak against terrorism, kidnapping – Tinubu tells religious leaders